Garment Protection Device

ABSTRACT

A garment protection device to be worn by a wearer, the garment protection device comprising a collar assembly having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface is configured to be in substantial contact with the neck and/or shoulders of a wearer and wherein the collar assembly is configured to substantially surround the neck of the wearer when placed on the wearer and further having an opening to allow the passage of the neck of a wearer. The garment protection device further including a garment protection panel forming a contiguous impervious service with the collar assembly, the garment protection panel having a substantially curved surface configured to extend along a first axis that is orthogonal to the opening passage or gap of the collar assembly, the garment protection panel having at least a first panel section that has a first width W, a second panel section that is contiguous with the first panel section and having a second width W′, and at least end portion having a semicircular shape and two side portions, where the maximum value of W is greater than the maximum value of W′. The garment protection device further including a capture pocket configured to enclose a volume of space between the capture pocket and the end portion section of the garment protection panel, wherein the capture pocket has a base portion configured to have sufficient width so as to allow for insertion of cleaning materials or utensils.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 63/217,616, filed Jul. 1, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an improved garment protection device configured to protect garments from inadvertent spills of food and drink.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is common for drivers and passengers in vehicles to eat and drink while in transit. While doing so is a convenience to be enjoyed, such actions raise the risk that spilling of crumbs or liquid may occur. For example, passengers in cars, trains and airplanes, as a result of sharp turns or sudden movements, may spill food or drink on clothing. Where the drivers and passengers are in transit to an important event (business meetings, weddings, etc.) such outcomes can be extremely disadvantageous. In the past, drivers and passengers alike, have used garment protection devices to prevent soiling of their garments.

For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,814,277; 6,836,900; 4,663,779; 5,031,241; 6,789,265 and 7,237,271, all of which are herein incorporated by reference as if each is presented in their respective entirety, describe configurations of garment protection devices. While such disclosures are directed principally to preventing food or beverages from soiling a garment, the configurations therein are not adapted for ease of use, ease of cleaning and/or adaptability to different use case scenarios.

Thus, what is needed in the art is an approach that leverages the particular features of a garment protection device but improves upon those features. For example, what is needed in the art is a garment protection device that is affixable by persons of different adaptability levels, that permits wide range of movement while being worn, and is configured such that any spilled food or drink is easily retained and removed from the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An ergonomic garment protection device is provided that is affixable by persons of different adaptability levels and permits a wide range of movement while being worn. Such a garment protection device is configured such that any spilled food or drink is easily retained and removed from the device. For example, the garment protection device can be used by passengers or operators of a vehicle. In addition, the garment protection device can be used to catch chips, drinks, ice cream or other foods when watching TV or at a sporting event. Similarly, such a garment protection device can be worn at a movie theater and be deployed to catch popcorn from falling on the user's lap.

In a particular implementation of an ergonomically improved garment protection device, the provided garment protection device comprises or is configured with a collar assembly, a garment protection panel and a capture pocket. In one or more particular implementations, each of the collar assembly, garment protection panel and capture pocket are formed of the same material. In one configuration, the collar assembly has a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface is configured to be in substantial contact with the neck and/or shoulders of a wearer and wherein the collar assembly is configured to substantially surround the neck of the wearer when placed on the wearer.

In one particular implementation, the collar assembly is further configured to have an opening to allow the passage of the neck of a wearer. In one or more particular implementations, the garment protection panel forms a contiguous impervious service with the collar assembly and has a substantially curved surface, where the curvature of the garment protection panel substantially matches the curvature of the torso of the wearer. In a further implementation, the garment protection panel is configured to extend as a contiguous protection surface from the first surface of the collar assembly and extend along a first axis that is orthogonal to the opening passage or gap of the collar assembly. In a further implementation, the garment protection panel has a first panel section that has a first width W, a second panel section that is contiguous with the first panel section and having a second width W′, and at least a third panel section configured with an end portion having a semicircular shape and two side portions. The garment protection device further includes a capture pocket configured to enclose a volume of space between the capture pocket and the third panel section of the garment protection panel. In one particular implementation, a base portion of the capture pocket is configured to have sufficient width so as to allow for insertion of cleaning materials or utensils.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front, perspective view of a particular embodiment of the garment protection device described herein;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the garment protection device described herein;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the garment protection device described herein;

FIG. 4 is a left side view of the garment protection device described herein

FIG. 5 is right side view of the garment protection device described herein;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the garment protection device described herein;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the garment protection device described herein; and

FIG. 8 is a top-left view of the garment protection device described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

By way of overview and introduction, and with particular reference to FIGS. 1-8 , the present disclosure relates to an ergonomically improved garment protection device 100 that includes at least a collar assembly 102, garment protection panel 104 and a capture pocket 106. In one or more configurations, the garment protection device 100 is configured to protect a wearer from spills. For example, the torso of a wearer of the described garment protection device 100 is protected from direct spills. In circumstances where the wearer is attempting to consume food or drink and spills some of such food or drink, the garment protection panel 104 provides for an impervious panel to protect the wearer's garment. In a further implementation, the capture pocket 106 is disposed at one end of the garment protection device 100 is and configured to capture or collect dropped food or drink that has impacted the garment protection panel 104.

In a further implementation, the collar assembly 102 allows for the wearer to affix the garment protection device to the wearer. For example, the semicircular “c” shaped collar assembly 102 allows for one-handed operation. In this manner, the present device avoids the need to affix the collar assembly 102 to the wearer through the use or straps tabs or other devices that would require two hands or high degrees of manual dexterity.

It will be appreciated that the described garment protection device 100 is suitable for use by both men and women, as well as by children. However, particular modifications in size, relative dimensions or configurations that allow for a more optimized fit for individuals of different body types are envisioned and understood.

In one particular implementation, the garment protection device 100 is formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material. For instance, in one particular implementation, the garment protection device 100 is formed of a sheet of plastic, metal, natural, carbon fiber or composite material. By way of non-limiting example, the garment protection device 100 is formed of a single sheet of pliant, or pliable material, such a thin plastic sheeting. In a particular implementation, the garment protection device 100 is formed or produced by injection molding or a similar casting or forming process.

In another configuration, the garment protection device 100 is formed of multiple layers of materials. In one arrangement, the layers of material are the same (such as several layers of plastic material). In an alternative configuration, the multiple layers are formed of different materials. In a further, non-limiting implementation, the garment protection device 100 is formed of an outer layer of pliant, fluid impermeable material over a flexible core. For instance, in one or more arrangements, a flexible plastic sheet encases a foam core, or other light weight inner material. In one embodiment, the material sheet used to form the collar assembly, garment protection panel and capture pocket are made of flexible, liquid-impermeable materials, such as polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, or biodegradable material or bioplastic. In one or more implementations, the material sheet has a thickness of less than about 1 mm, or more typically less than about 0.5 mm, or even more particularly, less than about 0.3 mm. In one or more implementations, such as where the material is polyethylene, the material has a thickness of about 0.05 mm to about 0.25 mm. In yet an alternative implementation, the material sheet has a thickness of less than 2 mm. In a further implementation, the material sheet has a thickness of between about 2 mm to about 1.5 mm. In one or more further configurations, the sheet material may be embossed and/or matte finished. The material may be transparent, translucent or opaque, and may have a variety of colors, logos or designs printed thereon for promotions and advertising.

In a further particular implementation as shown in FIG. 1-2 , the garment protection device 100, is configured to include at least three (3) components, the collar assembly 102, the garment protection panel 104 and the capture pocket 106. In one or more particular implementations, each of the collar assembly 102, garment protection panel 104 and capture pocket 106 are formed of the same material. Furthermore, in one or more implementations, each of the components described herein (the collar assembly 102, the garment protection panel 104 and the capture pocket 106) are formed of a continuous sheet or surface of a single material. However, in one or more alternative configurations, one or more of the collar assembly 102, the garment protection panel 104 and the capture pocket 106 are formed of a different material.

In a further implementation, the lip or rim 109 (as shown in FIG. 1 particularly), can be made of a different material such as soft rubber for a more comfortable fit. Likewise, the collar assembly 102 may be formed of a different material than the garment protection panel 104 and the capture pocket 106. Likewise, the garment protection panel 104 may be formed of a different material than the collar assembly 102 or the capture pocket 106. For example, each of the collar assembly 102, lip 109, the garment protection panel 104 and the capture pocket 106 are formed of a different material.

Turning now to the collar assembly 102 as depicted in FIGS. 1-2 , the collar assembly 102 is configured to fit around the neck of the wearer. In one configuration, the collar assembly 102 has a first surface 101 and a second surface 105, wherein the second surface 105 is configured to be in substantial contact with the neck and shoulders of a wearer. For example, the collar assembly 102 is configured to substantially surround the neck of the wearer when placed on the wearer. In one or more further implementations, the collar assembly 102 is further configured to have an opening 103 to allow the passage of the neck of a wearer.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , the collar assembly 102 includes a semicircular portion 202 that is configured to partially encircle the neck of the wearer. For instance, a portion of the semicircular portion 202 is configured such that the weight of the garment protection device 100 is directed along a central vertical axis of the wearer's body. In this configuration, the collar assembly 102 transfers a portion of the weight of the garment protection device 100 from the wearers neck to the shoulders of the wearer. In one or more further implementations the collar assembly 102 transfers the weight of the garment protection device 100 substantially equally between the neck and shoulders of the wearer. In further implementations, the distribution of the weight of the garment protection device 100 is not equally distributed between the neck and shoulders of the wearer. Such non-equal distribution of the weight of the garment protection device 100 can be implemented based on the shape and orientation of the collar assembly 102. For instance, where the collar assembly 102 is configured with portions thereof to lay flat on the shoulders of the wearers, such a configuration is designed to transfer more weight of the garment protection device 100 to the shoulders of the wearer. Such configurations can be used to prevent the collar assembly 102 from applying uncomfortable pressure to the neck of the wearer. In a further implementation, the collar assembly 102 is configured to distribute the weight of the garment protection device 100 progressively in response to the increased weight of the garment protection device 100. For example, the design of the collar assembly 102 can include spring leaf configuration (such that the collar assembly has a concave shape between the rims 109) or other element design integral to the collar assembly 102 that will cause the amount of surface area of the collar assembly 102 in contact with the shoulders of the wearer to increase as weight (in the form of added food or drink) is added to the garment protection device 100.

In a further implementation, the collar assembly 102 is configured with a “c”-shaped or similar shaped configuration. In this shaped configuration, there is a gap 103 between two portions of the collar assembly 102 that allows for the insertion of the wearer's neck. In one or more further configurations, the semicircular portion 202 of the collar assembly 102 is 1-2 inches in width. In one or more further implementations, the semicircular portion 202 of the collar assembly 102 is greater than 2 inches or less than 1 inch in width. By way of non-limiting example, the semicircular portion 202 of the collar assembly 102 is an elongated material strip that forms a contiguous surface the garment protection panel 104.

As shown in a further detail of FIGS. 1-2 , a short portion 107 of the collar assembly 102 is configured to extend from garment protection panel 104 so as to create the “c”-shaped collar assembly 102. In this configuration, the semicircular portion 202 of the collar assembly is configured to extend from the top of the garment protection panel 104 and partially encircle the neck of the wearer, while the short portion 107 extends only a partial way to encircle the neck of the wearer. In this way the gap 103 is introduced that permits the insertion of the wearer's neck. In one or more configurations, the short portion 107 is connected or contiguous to the garment protection panel 104 and extends or is disposed for a length of 1-3 inches away from the garment panel body on the opposite side of the neck of the wearer as the semicircular portion 202. In alternative configurations, the short portion 107 is configured to extend or is disposed more than three (3) inches away from the garment panel body on the opposite side of the neck of the wearer as the semicircular portion 202 so as to accommodate larger neck dimensions.

In one or more further implementations, the collar assembly 102 is configured with a buffer or rim 109 disposed along the edge of the flat material. In one or more configurations this rim is configured to extend along the perimeter of the entire garment protection device 100. It will be appreciated that the rim 109, regardless of the form or configuration provided, can serve additional purposes. For example, the rim 109 can provide additional structural strength to the collar assembly 102. As shown, the collar assembly 102 is formed of a material strip that is secured (partially) around the neck of the wearer. The inclusion of the rim 109 at the edges of the collar assembly 102 provides additional strength to the collar assembly 102, allowing the collar assembly 102 to flex or be deformed during the securing process without breaking. Additionally, the rim 109 can be extended around the perimeter of the garment protection device 100. In this configuration, the rim 109 also imparts additional structural strength to the overall device, thus permitting a degree of flex or deformation while in use. The rim 109 also functions as a lip, preventing liquids that have been spilled onto the garment protection device 100 from spilling past the perimeter of the garment protector.

In one or more implementations, the collar assembly 102 may be provided in a variety of sizes. For example, the collar assembly 102 is configured to fit around any size neck, from those of a child to those of a larger sized adult. For example, the collar assembly 102 may be configured in sizes ranging from 9″ to 20″ in neck diameter, but other sizes are understood and envisioned.

In a further configuration, a portion of the collar assembly 102 is a substantially flat material that is configured to lie parallel to the shoulders of the wearer. In one or more configurations, the collar assembly 102 can be secured to the wearer using only one hand. Therefore, the configured collar assembly 102 described in the presently pending application is suitable for use by users having a wide range of manual dexterity or gross motor functionality.

Continuing with the description of the garment protection device 100 includes a garment protection panel 104, as shown in FIGS. 3-4 . In one or more configurations, the garment protection panel 104 is configured to extend from the collar assembly 102 to overlay a substantial portion of the torso of the wearer. In one or more particular implementations, the garment protection panel 104 is a substantially flat panel having a front surface and a back surface. In one or more particular implementations, the garment protection panel 104 has a substantially curved surface (as shown in FIG. 4 ), where the curvature follows the general curvature of the torso of the wearer. In a further implementation, the garment protection panel 104 is configured to extend as a contiguous protection surface from the first surface of the collar assembly and extend in a first axis (shown as dashed line F of FIG. 3 ) that is orthogonal to the opening passage or gap 103 of the collar assembly 102.

In one or more implementations, the length of the garment protection panel 104 is between 6 and 12 inches. However, in alternative configurations, the length of the garment protection panel 104 can be up to 18 inches.

In one particular implementation, the garment protection panel 104 has a portion having a first maximum width W (shown in dashed line W of FIG. 3 ). The garment protection panel 104, has a second portion that is contiguous with the first portion and having a second maximum width W′. In one or more further implementations, the garment protection panel 104 has an end portion that is contiguous with the second panel section. As shown in FIG. 3 , the end portion has a semicircular shape, wherein the maximum width between the opposing ends of end portion is W″. In one or more configurations, the garment protection panel is configured such that the maximum width of the first portion, W, is greater than the maximum width of the second portion W′. Furthermore, the maximum width of the first portion W is such that it is less than the maximum width of the end portion W″.

By way of non-limiting example, the garment protection panel 104 is configured with undulating or alternating widths. For example, the width of W may be 12 inches, while the width of W′ is 9 inches, while the width of W″ is 14 inches. It should be appreciated that alternative values are envisioned so long as the relative values of W, W′ and W″ are maintained.

In a further implementation, the center of the garment protection panel 104 (aligned along axis F) is further raised relative to the edges of the garment protection panel. For example, the center of the garment protection panel 104 is configured to slope from the center (along axis F) to the edges, such that fluid would be directed away from the center of the garment protection panel 104 and towards the edges. In one or more implementations, the rim 109 encircles the garment protection panel 104 and is coextensive with the rim 109 buffer of the collar assembly 102.

In will be appreciated that the undulating or curving edges of the garment protection panel 104 allow for a wearer to have a wide range of arm movement without obstruction by the garment protection device 100. Such wide range of movement is important when the wearer is operating a motor vehicle or transport device. However, in devices described herein that are solely designed for passengers, or in circumstances where freedom of movement is less of a primary concern, the individual widths of the panel sections can be the same or substantially similar dimensions.

In one or more further configurations and shown in particular detail in FIGS. 1-8 , but with particular attention to FIGS. 4 and 6 , the garment protection device 100 includes a capture pocket 106. The capture pocket 106, in one particular implementation, is configured to have an inner capture surface 604 and an outer capture surface 404. In one or more implementations, the capture pocket 106 is configured to enclose a volume bounded by the garment protection panel 104 and the inner surface 604 of the capture pocket 106.

By way of further example, the capture pocket 106 is configured to be contiguous with the front surface of the garment protection panel 102. As shown with particular reference to FIG. 4-5 , the capture pocket 106 is configured extend away from the front surface of the garment protection panel 104 along a first path axis (A) that is substantially orthogonal to the first axis F. In this arrangement, food or drink and that impacts on the garment protection panel 104 or is dropped directly into the capture pocket 106 is retained within the capture pocket 106.

Additionally, the capture pocket 106 is also configured to further extend orthogonally, along axis B, from axis X, as shown in FIG. 4 . In one or more further implementations, as further shown in FIG. 4-5 , the capture pocket provides a minimum width “C” to a bottom portion on the capture pocket 106. Such a minimum width of “C” is between 0.2 and 1 inches. However, larger or smaller dimensions, such as between 0.1 and 4 inches are envisioned for the value of C. It will be appreciated that a minimum width for the bottom portion of width “C” permits easy access to the base of the capture pocket 106 and allows for cleaning of any materials captured thereby.

In one or more implementations, the depth of the opening of the capture pocket 106 (depicted by dashed line H of FIG. 6 ) is between 1-4 inches. As used herein, it will be appreciated that the depth of the opening of the capture pocket 106 corresponds to the distance between the surface of the garment protection panel 104 and the inner surface 604 capture pocket 106 along axis H. In another configuration, the depth of the opening of the capture pocket 106 is between about 2 and about 8 inches. In one or more implementations, the depth of the opening of the capture pocket 106 varies in relationship to the width of the capture pocket 106 (where width is shown by dashed line G). Here, the depth of the opening of the capture pocket 106 includes a maximum and a minimum opening value. In one implementation, the minimum value is ½, ¼ or ⅛ of the maximum opening value. In this configuration, the depth at any point along axis H is between the minimum and maximum opening values

As shown in one or more further implementations of FIG. 2 , the outer surface 404 of the capture pocket 106 is configured to extend so as to be contiguous with the at least the two side portions of the third panel of the garment protection panel 104. In one or more particular implementations, the maximum width of the capture pocket 106 is the same as the maximum width of the end portion of the garment protection panel 104 (shown in reference to path W″ in FIG. 3 ). However, in one or more further implementations, the width of the capture pocket 106 (shown in dashed line G of FIG. 6 ) is greater or smaller than the maximum width of the end portion of the garment protection panel 104. In one or more particular implementations, the width of the capture pocket 106 is between about 9 inches to about 15 inches.

While this specification contains many specific embodiment details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment or of what can be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that can be specific to particular embodiments of particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination can be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

It should be noted that use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

Particular embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. For example, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. As one example, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results.

Publications and references to known registered marks representing various systems maybe cited throughout this application, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Citation of any above publications or documents is not intended as an admission that any of the foregoing is pertinent prior art, nor does it constitute any admission as to the contents or date of these publications or documents. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their respective entireties to the same extent as if each individual publication and references were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, the invention is not defined by the discussion that appears above, but rather is defined by the points that follow, the respective features recited in those points, and by equivalents of such features. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A garment protection device to be worn by a wearer, the garment protection device comprising: a. a collar assembly having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface is configured to be in substantial contact with the neck and/or shoulders of a wearer and wherein the collar assembly is configured to substantially surround the neck of the wearer when placed on the wearer and further having an opening to allow the passage of the neck of a wearer; b. a garment protection panel forming a contiguous impervious service with the collar assembly, the garment protection panel having a substantially curved surface configured to extend along a first axis that is orthogonal to the opening passage or gap of the collar assembly, the garment protection panel having at least a first panel section that has a first width W, a second panel section that is contiguous with the first panel section and having a second width W′, and at least end portion having a semicircular shape and two side portions, where the maximum value of W is greater than the maximum value of W′; and c. a capture pocket configured to enclose a volume of space between the capture pocket and the end portion section of the garment protection panel, wherein the capture pocket has a base portion configured to have sufficient width so as to allow for insertion of cleaning materials or utensils. 